user profile avatar

Emily Harris

865

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Hello! I am a current actuarial science student at Arizona State University. I am a first generation college student. I am supporting myself throughout my college journey, so any financial aid received is monumental in helping me focus on my academics in order to complete my degree.

Education

Arizona State University-Tempe

Bachelor's degree program
2018 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Insurance

    • Dream career goals:

      Fellow Actuary

      Future Interests

      Advocacy

      Volunteering

      Philanthropy

      Entrepreneurship

      Bookman 5 Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Minority/Women in STEM Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Learner Education Women in Mathematics Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Women in Tech Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Ruth and Johnnie McCoy Memorial Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Theresa Lord Future Leader Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Papi & Mamita Memorial Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Mary P. Perlea Scholarship Fund
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      CEW IV Foundation Scholarship Program
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Giving Back to the Future Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Eleven Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Stephan L. Daniels Lift As We Climb Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Black Students in STEM Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Jae'Sean Tate BUILT Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! Upon returning to school this past fall, I received the opportunity to work with CSAA as an actuarial pricing intern for the summer of 2022. I am eagerly anticipating the chance to gain real world experience and exploring which actuarial track would allow me to leave the greatest impact on my communities. After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Throughout my primary and secondary school years, I always looked forward to my math classes because I enjoyed being challenged. When it came time to choose a major in college, I was looking for something that would constantly test me and help me grow. I found actuarial science and fell in love with the program and the driven students who were pursuing this career path with me. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Being back in classes surrounded by actuarial students with a similar determination to succeed excites me for the future experiences and connections I will have with this amazing network. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.
      Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
      “Thank you for calling Microsoft Office 365 support. This is Emily.” At the time, I was working in a call center where 100 people congregated in a small room with no windows and only one exit. Due to asthma, such a densely populated room proved to be a great medical challenge. I was determined to overcome the obstacles thrown at me and tried my best to work remotely in order to keep my job, but ultimately could not continue to work for Microsoft without compromising my medical safety. March 2020 brought many challenges that I never thought I would be facing, but my determination to continue in my education and professional career would end up being my greatest asset. During this time, my parents informed me that they would no longer be able to assist me with any of my financial needs. Upon learning this, I sought the guidance of my advisors on how to continue my journey as a student at Arizona State University. I was advised to take one year off of school to gain Arizona residency to aid in reducing the financial burden of pursuing a higher education. In following their advice, I made the tough decision to put my dream of becoming an actuary on hold, and set out to find a full-time job to support myself financially for the next year. After my year working, I have now received residency status! After successfully overcoming the financial hardships I faced at the beginning of the pandemic, I am now even more determined to accomplish my dream of becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. As a part of a consistently underrepresented minority in STEM, I refuse to become a statistic by not finishing college due to monetary reasons. In March 2020, I was face-to-face with the reality that my economic situation may hold me back from achieving my goal of becoming an actuary. While everyone was figuring out how to continue life virtually, I took the time to figure out why I was so driven to become an actuary and the underlying passions that contribute to my love of the career. Almost losing the opportunity to continue being a part of this amazing program makes me appreciate the opportunity even more. Having my colleagues by my side on a regular basis keeps me appreciative of how far I have come from my headset at the call center! If I were to receive this scholarship, it would greatly reduce the burden of having to hold a full-time job while continuing my studies to become an actuary. Ideally, I would be able to focus on being a full-time student without having to worry about school and living expenses. It would also allow me to have the capacity to pursue activities that I have had to decline in the past few years. This includes taking on a greater role as a part of the Gamma Iota Sigma Kappa chapter leadership team here at ASU, as well as becoming a math motivator in my community. In being a math motivator, I would be able to tutor high school students to aid them in becoming more aware of actuarial science as a career path. If I have learned anything on this journey, it is that I am not only determined to be successful in my own career, but I want to inspire that same determination in future students. Thank you so much for your time and support.